“Jason Kelce Takes Time for Reflection After Eagles’ Season-Ending Loss Before Deciding Future”
Jason Kelce will take some time to reflect on the Eagles’ season-ending defeat before making a final decision about his future.
“I didn’t announce what I was doing on purpose, despite, I guess, what’s been leaked to the media,” Jason said to his brother and podcast co-host, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, amid reports he told teammates Monday he intends to retire.
“… I just don’t think you’re in a position after a game like that to really make that decision, I just don’t, there’s too much emotion in the moment, there’s too much going down in the moment to really fully grasp that decision.”
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Jason, who has dedicated his entire 13-year career to Philadelphia, mentioned that he’s “not trying to be dramatic and continue to draw this thing out.” However, he has contemplated what a potential announcement might involve if he decides to retire.
“When it’s time to officially announce what’s happening in the future, it’ll be done in a way that’s definitive and pays respect to a lot of people and individuals that have meant a lot to me and what has led to the career I’ve had, and I don’t think it would be respectful or even accurate to be able to do that right after a game like that,” the 36-year-old Super Bowl champion said.
“Frustated, I guess, at everything that’s happening, but in the future there will be something said, I guess, but I did address the team and pretty much said the same thing I just said to you, which is I got belief in every single one of you guys, cherish the moments you have in this league, I think it’s kind of the way it went down.”
As the final moments ticked away in Philadelphia’s disappointing 32-9 loss on Monday night in Tampa, Jason was visibly upset on the Eagles’ sideline.
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Before greeting his family, including wife Kylie, in the stands at Raymond James Stadium, the seven-time Pro Bowler was seen hugging his longtime offensive line coach, Jeff Stoutland.
On Wednesday’s episode, Jason took a moment to steady himself and expressed his deep appreciation for everyone in the Eagles’ locker room.
“I think there was a lot of emotion in the room, for sure,” he said. “I don’t know what the future holds for anybody in that building right now, we’re about to get into, I guess, what happens down the stretch but we have exit interviews tomorrow.”
Travis, whose Chiefs advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs with a victory over the Dolphins on Saturday, replied, “We’ll all be eagerly awaiting the decision you ultimately make, big guy, I assure you of that.”
